Chapter Three
Mito Uzumaki in many ways was the complete opposite of her husband. He was a consummate optimist while she was staunchly pessimistic. He held perfectionistic notions and ideals about a shinobi utopia while she understood it was merely an unattainable goal. He was able to see past the murders, betrayals and wrongdoings of other clans in order to make peace; she believed those responsible should be made to pay for their crimes.
He often accused her of being unable to put the past behind her. In order for the shinobi world to move forward, grow strong and work towards the ideals of the Rikudou Sennin, past transgressions needed to be forgotten. Mito wanted to argue that Uzushiogakure united and became strong because her clan dominated and forced the others into submission. When she had pointed this out to him, he merely pointed out to her all the flaws of her village and how if they continued the way they were, they'd fail prosper.
That had been many years ago. After seven years of marriage to Hashirama Senju, Mito considered herself a much changed woman. Certainly she felt her ideals were more realistic than her husband's, but she had learned to see the world through his eyes and realized what a fool she had been. The influence of her clan began to wane and she saw all their greed for power and domination while purposely remaining in isolation one of the many reasons wars continued.
She vowed that somehow, she would change that and she would support Hashirama all the way. While pondering this, the sliding door of their bedroom slid open and none other than her husband walked in. Mito greeted him with a small smile and he sat down next to her. Painstakingly, he smiled back at her, but she could tell that something was wrong. Hashirama was always prone to those bouts of depression. It annoyed her to no end.
"What is it?"
He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. Mito braced herself. Whatever he was going to tell her was not going to be pleasant.
"Madara has taken a wife. One of my trackers reported back to me. Your father has made an alliance with the Uchiha and your sister is to marry him." As soon as the words left his mouth, Mito froze and went as white as a sheet.
"Akane?" She blanched as if hardly believing the news herself. Hashirama nodded his expression grim. Stunned, it took several moments for Mito to gather her words. "What could my father possibly be thinking?" She said aloud although she knew the answer and she was sure Hashirama did too. He gave her a hard look as if to answer the question and she sighed.
She knew her father to be a dark, cold and calculating man, in short, it almost made sense to find himself a son-in-law as bad as he. But her sister! Her poor sister! Though things were not well with them ever since Mito sent her back to Uzushio, she couldn't help but feel deeply troubled and worried for her. She was going to be married to Madara Uchiha after all.
"Now I regret sending her home," Mito said as she clutched the lower part of her yukata. Perhaps if she had instead spoken to Tobirama to stay away instead of sending her sister home, things would be different. Perhaps Akane would be honourably matched to Tobirama now instead of stuck in an illicit elopement. More important of all, her sister would be safe. Safe from the ambitions of her clan and safe from that monster she was to call a husband.
"How is she to handle it? You know what Madara is like despite your history together. My sister, though with commendable skills, is not shinobi material in the least. She is quiet, reserved and has barely seen the horrors of war. She has been shielded most of her life. However will she bear it? Married to a warmonger and a clan as cruel as theirs?"
Her husband's gaze sharpened a little and he gave her a weak and mirthless smile. "The Uchiha clan are no different from others Mito, I already told you not to…"
She cut him off simply to explain her position.
"No I don't mean the Uchiha Clan's position in the shinobi world, I mean their internal social and family values. They do not take too kindly to strangers especially those they would perceive as weak. How is my sister to support a man like that? How is she to fit in with his family and clansmen when her ideals are so different?"
Hashirama was leaning back now, deeply contemplating what Mito was talking about. She realized with shame how she had focused solely upon her sister and not so much the trouble this marriage would bring to the Uzumaki and Senju alliance.
Her husband looked to the flickering candles and tried to see if he could make sense of the situation.
"I'm sure she will be okay. I know how quiet and reserved she can be and I am sure those traits will work in her favour. Whether or not she has seen war, she knows what to do. Madara has no reason to be unkind to her. I'm more worried about what is going to happen to you Mito. Your wellbeing. Your sister in a sense is your enemy now."
It was only when he said it that she realized how dire the situation was. Akane her enemy? It was almost too much to fathom. Yes things between them were sour, but to actually be on the other side of the battlefield?
Mito felt her stomach clench. No…it felt like more of a bottomless pit.
Would she face her sister on a battlefield too? If not, would Hashirama bring her news that one of his clansmen had killed her in the line of duty because she fought for the other side? Is there some way Akane would refuse her husband's battles? Could she?
Mito swallowed hard.
"Do you think there is some way we can save her? While there is somewhat of a truce at the moment, that can't lost long. Do you think that maybe we can extract her? Convince her that she will have safety within the Senju Clan?"
Hashirama's eyes still focused on the flickering light of the candles. The situation was murky. The darker side of murky and most of all, he blamed that wretch Daiki Uzumaki for putting both Mito and Akane in this situation. He couldn't wait until Arashi took over as head of the clan. That was a shinobi with promise. A shinobi who believed in justice and wanted to work towards peace.
"I have considered the possibility of it, but Mito it is an almost…unattainable possibility. Akane is marrying the head of the Uchiha Clan. She will be his wife. She will be bound to obey him, support his every whim and be by his side when it comes to battle. He wouldn't expect anything less."
Her heart dropped at that. She wanted to find some way around it, but she knew with those condemning words how out of reach, her sister was for her.
"But if there is the smallest possibility that she can be saved? That she wants to join our clan, and then you will help her won't you?"
Hashirama looked to his wife and softened his gaze.
He reached out to her and caressed her cheek.
"I'll do what I can, but I can't promise anything. Just…I…I think you should be prepared for the worst."
It was a pleasant day today, but the formidable heat of the fire nation would rear its ugly head soon. When Akane had stayed with Mito, she had not been use to dry burning heat, however being close to Tobirama had made it all worth it.
She closed her eyes as she took in the breeze and continued on her morning stroll. Lady Susumu and her daughter walked a respectable distance behind her and unfortunately Takara was unwillingly beside her. They had to keep up this illusion of unity. As the Clan's Mistress, Akane was expected to be ever gracious and pleasing. As second in command to the Lady Mistress, Takara had to be ever obedient, protect her every whim and look out for her whether she liked it or no.
All morning, Akane was thinking of something that would mollify her sister-in-law a bit and she supposed she could be gracious. Her aunt wouldn't agree, but given her current situation with Madara, she needed some allies.
"Takara-san, I was thinking," Akane began.
Takara's dark eyes looked towards her and Akane appraised her rather plain features. She had nothing of the beauty her younger sister Toshiko possessed at all. Akane even wanted to claim the wit, but that was nothing short of a lie. Whatever Takara lacked in beauty, she probably made up for in cunning, charisma and charm. She supposed she would find out once she got to know her better.
"I was thinking that perhaps I could give some kimonos and items from the treasury Madara-sama is to bestow upon me, come our wedding. It is too much and I don't think I have room for it all, considering all the belongings I brought with me from Uzushio. I was thinking perhaps you wouldn't mind claiming them as your own or even wearing the clothing from time to time? I couldn't think of a more fitting gesture since you are the wife of Madara-sama's brother and my sister-in-law."
Takara stared at her in surprise and Akane stopped in her tracks waiting expectantly for an answer. When Lady Susumu and Toshiko got too close for Akane's liking, she resumed walking. Takara followed.
"I would be honoured sister, but I've never known a Clan Mistress to do such a thing." That was the invitation. Takara was now testing her to see if she would say the wrong thing. Hopefully wrong enough so that she could spite her little gift and know her for a liar. Akane would have to play her cards right.
"I know. I can't think of many Clan Mistresses who would do such a thing. But I thought to be kind and my aunt informed me you have not been well since that miscarriage of yours. It is a rough business and a tough one too. My own mother bore twelve children, most of them died young or in battle too. I suppose it is my way of saying that you always have a friend in me if you need anything."
Akane paused, studying Takara's face and continued.
"I know I am new here and an outsider and I hope perhaps you will teach me what I need to know to honour the Uchiha Clan and please Madara-sama?" It was a hopeful gesture, one she was hoping Takara would take. The woman could all but refuse it, yet she hoped bringing up womanly matters would soften the edge a little.
It must have worked because Takara gave her an understanding smile.
"Of course I will help you Lady Akane, it is my duty and you seem…genuine enough. Not holding on too much to your clan's ways are you? I don't think many Uchiha will take to that."
Akane smiled.
"Alas, I knew my duty when I was to be given in marriage to Madara-sama. Unfortunately my affinity for water and my red hair isn't anything I can change." At that Takara laughed and inwardly Akane grinned. Her plans were beginning to be set into motion. If she could crack the shield of his immediate family and press them against one another, in the future she could start a rebellion. What she needed to do though, was work on the man himself.
The walk continued and Akane carefully asked questions about what she should know about the Uchiha Clan and her upcoming duties. Anything important relayed to her, she could mentally file away later and send it to her brother Arashi. She had to be patient though and act subtlety. Before she could send any information to her clan, she had to earn her respect in this one.
They will look upon me in reverence she promised.
Her thoughts were brought back to reality when she saw her aforementioned fiancée and his brother surrounded with a few of their clansmen on top of the rectangular shaped hill. Perched on his leather protected arm was a falcon that he was fondly giving a piece of meat.
Akane observed silently from a distance as Madara let the large bird off to soar. It swooped around high, flipped and turned before gliding back gracefully towards its master. A few cheers and claps were heard and Akane stared upon the small group in interest.
"Your betrothed has a passion for falconry," Lady Susumu said from behind having caught up with them. Akane spared her a glance before turning back to the group of men up ahead. She could feel his eyes upon her. Thinning her lips, she turned away and continued walking. Takara followed after her and then urgently whispered in her ear, "Madara-sama is coming this way." Akane stopped dead in her tracks. She hadn't seen him since he had violated her body in his chamber.
Well that wasn't entirely true. She had had to sit by him at a communal dinner again that same day, but as usual he completely ignored her. She was grateful for that at least.
"Sister…Akane," his voice interjected. Akane schooled her features and composed herself. She turned to face him, but did not smile though she nodded her head respectfully.
"We were just out for a walk Madara-sama," Lady Susumu explained. His dark eyes briefly turned to his relative and he nodded.
"I see," he said before turning back to Akane.
"If you can spare her, I'd like to take my bride back to the stronghold myself. The matter of the dowry is to be settled and I am sure she would like to be in attendance." Though she made no protests, Akane could tell there was a more ulterior motive for him wanting to escort her. Her presence was not necessary at such events and the dowry was for him to demand and her clansmen to negotiate.
"Very well," Lady Susumu said. Akane made no reply and merely stepped forward so that Madara could link her arm with his. She'd have to keep up this pretence of matrimonial unity until the end.
"I hope that meek attitude you've adopted today is not an attempt to give me the silent treatment."
She dared to raise a brow at him.
"I wouldn't dream of it Madara-sama," sarcasm apparent in her voice. He seemed satisfied and merely smiled at her condescending tone. They continued walking back in silence before Madara began to speak again.
"You're father promised me those fuinjutsu sealing scrolls as part of your dowry, but as false as Uzumakis are, the clansmen are going to do the best they can to remove that from the settlement. You will be there to insist that it is part of the dowry for the goodwill of the alliance or you will not marry me."
Akane stopped, fearing what this meant.
"As in, you want me to say I will refuse to marry you if they do not heed your wishes?"
Madara didn't hesitate for a moment.
"Precisely."
Akane considered the implications of this. She supposed it couldn't hurt to probe him for more information especially if this turned out all wrong.
"And if they still refuse?" She inquired.
He ran a clump of her long hair through his middle and index fingers. She had left it out and completely down today to go with the simple dark clothing she wore with the Uchiha Clan symbol on the back. She had to demonstrate her loyalty.
"They won't. This treaty is just as important to them."
Akane was not convinced. Things could still go so wrong.
"You may be right, but those scrolls are very important to the clan. You said yourself my father was a snake. He may refuse you the items altogether and expect you to marry me." Madara studied her through heavy lidded eyes as if contemplating what sort of challenge she really presented under that cool exterior she portrayed. Perhaps he wasn't fooled by her at all. Time would only tell.
"You need not fear. I will still marry you in the event they refuse me those scrolls. Your witch of an aunt made sure of that when she helped formulate this alliance with your father. However if that is the case, mind you, I will kill every single one of your clansmen here, take the scrolls by force and to add insult to the injury still have an Uzumaki as my wife. Your father wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Don't underestimate me or the clan."
She stared at him wide eyed, shocked…lost for words. Her mouth was slightly parted and she immediately shut it like a trap. No one could fault him on being blunt, but she still found it shocking that he would admit to her like that.
Well why wouldn't he? She was going to marry him.
Still though, in many ways, he reminded her of the cruel figure that was her father. She didn't know how her mother had managed to be loyal to him let alone bear him twelve children.
She looked back at him and could see he was awaiting her answer.
"Of course Madara-sama. I will see what I can do."
He seemed pleased with that, but Akane was not finished. In an instant she moved close to him, gripped his hair and yanked his face towards hers. A little payback for what he had done to her before.
"But don't think I will stand by idly while you slaughter my clansmen. Once we are married I may have to switch loyalty over to you, but mark my words, I have something up my sleeve that even you do not want to mess with. I will make you regret the day you met me," she hissed and then moved away returning to the calm façade she had put on earlier.
Madara merely blinked at her in surprise and also grudging admiration. That quiet obedient figure he had come to know over the last few days had melted away to reveal something dark and formidable beneath.
Oh, he was intrigued. Intrigued enough that she would reveal it now rather than before when he had humiliated and forced her upon him in his bedchamber. So, she would be an obedient little wife and let him do whatever he wished to her except, it seemed, threaten her immediate family.
Despite her threat, while he thought she was an elite kunoichi (most heiresses were), he doubted whatever little 'trick' she had could do anything to him. Still though, he decided not to openly mock her about it. She was probably still fuming over his dominance over her the other day and was expressing her anger.
"Regret the day I met you? I don't doubt it my dear. But now your loyalty is to me and you are to support my interests. Don't disappoint."
Akane threw her outer black cloak on the ground as soon as she entered the private chambers of her room. Gone was the reserved persona she normally kept herself in. At this moment she was barely able to contain her emotions. That man was utterly despicable!
She had thought she could deal with it, but having every second word out of his mouth degrading her clan, dealing with his threats and the prospect of now spending the rest of her life married to him was now beginning to become too much. She had thought she could do this, but now…
"Giving up after only three days already?" her aunt intoned, completely amused by her display. Akane looked over at her pouring some sake and holding it to her lips.
"He is…I can't even…oh aunt, his love is barely my concern now, it's winning his respect. I threatened him today too and he shrugged that off as if it was nothing important." Her aunt beckoned her to come and sit and deciding she would heed her aunt's advice, she complied. In a rare moment of affection, Kotone placed her hand gently on her niece's head, before returning to more important matters.
"You did well today convincing the clansmen to relinquish the fuinjutsu scrolls. Madara was more than pleased and you put your loyalty and interests of his clan above your own. That is what he wanted and that is what his clan expects. I imagine you have already made some leeway with his fellow shinobi for that display today."
Akane acknowledged this, but was far from impressed. She needed to tame the man. She needed him under her control, but she didn't know how to go about it.
"I expect he will come here tonight as he promised. You are to be as charming as ever at dinner and obedient in bed. You told me yourself, even if our clansmen refused to relinquish the dowry, he would marry you anyway. I suspect it is attraction just as much as vengeance in his promises. He finds you beautiful, most men do. You just do not how to use it properly. I would have thought your elopement with Tobirama would have taught you something."
Akane shifted uncomfortably.
"It taught me a few things here and there, but really aunt, we only did it a few times before Mito found out and sent me away."
Kotone sipped her sake in contemplation.
"Then you will have to learn some things it seems. Think of it as a mission and find out what he likes. You have pleased him today, encourage him to pleasure you. Stroke his ego. Madara is a man of pride. Use that pride against him. I am sure Madara-sama would not take it too kindly having his manhood mocked or his skills in bed either. I'll see if I can speak to Shinji. Kami knows, he has had his fair share of Uzushio madams, Hyuuga whores and palace sluts."
Akane stared at her aunt stunned for a few moments before her mouth curved upwards into a small smile.
"Sometimes aunt, I wonder why you never became the Clan Mistress."
Kotone pulled out some cards from her sleeve. Fortune cards. She liked to play with them.
"An accident of birth. I just happened to be born second. But that didn't faze me in the slightest."
There was tension in the air during the communal dinner and Akane could feel the full brunt of her clan's displeasure towards her. Only her aunt saw fit to give her a reassuring smile and some of Madara's trusted advisors took the time to strike up a conversation with her. They may not have trusted her clan, but it seemed they were starting to take a liking towards her. Although Akane was secretly of the opinion that Takara had something to do with it.
Yes, if she could win over some allies, she may be safe.
As the dinner was finished and Akane stood to take her leave, Madara grabbed her arm gently and whispered in her ear, "be ready for tonight."
She gave no outward show of her emotions and merely continued on her way with as much grace as she could muster. Kotone helped her dress into a simple white bed yukata with nothing underneath and Akane helpfully arranged some sake and a few fig snacks for Madara's arrival.
Kotone said she would sleep in the outer chamber for tonight, but Akane knew it was so she could sit there and glare at Madara in white faced fury as he dared enter her chambers. Whatever her aunt did, it must have worked because her husband to be entered the room with an angry scowl. Akane raised an eyebrow at him and watched with hopeful anticipation as he observed her state and the items before him.
"What is all this?" He said gently. Akane felt a rush of relief and triumph when she realized her little ploy may work after all. That didn't mean she was going to be entirely polite about it thought.
"I thought we might have a few moments to talk to each other. Whatever Madara-sama wishes. You haven't spoken to me much over the last three days except about matters concerning clan business. I thought we might get to know each other a little better. I am sure Madara-sama is a man of such control, he does not need to necessarily force his wife into bed straight away, ne?"
He appraised her for several moments, probably looking for signs of deceit. In the end though, he seemed to find none and sat next to her.
"Very well then my lady. What would you like to know?"
